Many foreign nationals in South Africa face financial challenges when trying to secure loans for business enterprises and other requirements. JustMoney.co.za, a platform that helps people make good money choices, explores various loan requirements and application processes for foreign nationals.

South African parents and guardians are facing the financial reality of preparing their children for the start of the school year. With many family budgets already over-stretched, the added expenses can be overwhelming.

A recent survey on South Africans’ views of the new two-pot retirement savings system reveals widespread financial pressure, with 79% of those considering a withdrawal indicating they would use the funds to repay debt.

Planning an overseas trip? Many countries require you to have a visa – a document that’s either physically attached to your passport, or in the case of an e-visa, linked electronically – that entitles you to enter the country you plan to visit. This is issued by the relevant embassy or consulate.

Bringing a pet into your home is exciting, but it’s a significant commitment. You need to plan and budget carefully to ensure the wellbeing of your newest family member, and your own peace of mind.

The FIRE movement, which stands for “financial independence, retire early”, is a programme of extreme savings and investments that allows people to retire far earlier than a traditional pension plan would permit. JustMoney.co.za, which helps South Africans make good money choices, examines whether this goal is attainable.

Taking out a personal loan is a significant financial commitment that requires careful consideration. It's important to assess your financial situation and consider alternatives before you apply, advises Sarah Nicholson, operations manager of JustMoney.co.za, a platform that helps South Africans make good money choices.

JustMoney offers tips for online security, ahead of World Password Day on Thursday 2 May. Passwords are the gatekeepers of your digital identity, allowing you to transact, interact, work, and conduct other vital activities.

Navigating an unexpected financial burden can be daunting, especially when it comes in the form of someone else’s debt.
 

South Africans are grappling with unprecedented economic challenges and deteriorating household finances. Stress and anxiety due to money worries have emerged as a silent crisis affecting millions of individuals and families.

In a nation grappling with financial obstacles, South African women not only face a persistent gender pay gap, but also contend with a concerning phenomenon known as the “pink tax”. 

The announcement of another interest rate hike last month, to a 14-year high, has made it difficult for many South Africans to meet debt commitments such as student loans, vehicle finance and housing bonds.

The repayment of high-interest loans to unscrupulous moneylenders is a serious problem for many South Africans. Some borrowers even take on additional credit to pay off previous loans, and subsequently become trapped in a downward spiral of debt.

The recent increase in interest rates to a 14-year high will impact our pockets in many ways, from home loans and credit card debt to savings and investments.

There are many advantages to having a store card, but you need financial discipline to use it responsibly. 

If you have a blocked or “frozen” bank account, you can’t use your account to transact – a source of great frustration if you want to buy items or pay bills. You won’t be able to withdraw any money, and scheduled payments won’t be processed.

South Africans are largely considered to be resilient – we’ve weathered a pandemic, political instability, rampant unemployment, water issues and load shedding.

At the start of 2023, with price increases on the horizon and interest rates on the rise, many South Africans are looking for ways to increase their income. Given that most people already juggle stressful jobs with household chores and childcare responsibilities, the notion of “passive income” has strong appeal.

January is one of the most stressful months of the year from a financial perspective. There are roughly six weeks between an early December salary payment and January month end. Within that period, many people spend more on gifts, travel, entertainment and ride-hailing than at any other time of the year – and frequently pay with credit.

December is when companies traditionally pay bonuses, and many employees are looking forward to – and banking on – these additional funds. Most staff have gone beyond the call of duty in 2022, dealing with stressful work situations, while facing rising personal costs ranging from transport to food and electricity.